SPAIN has demanded to have police stationed in Gibraltar International Airport as Madrid continues to exploit Brexit in a desperate bid to reclaim sovereignty of the Rock.

Gibraltar, which is a British overseas territory, has been subject to various attempts to reclaim its sovereignty by Spain, with Brexit providing the latest opportunity for Madrid to flex its muscles and once again attempt a land grab.

The European Union granted Spain the power of veto over the future relationship between Gibraltar and the EU after Britain leaves the bloc in March 2019.

In essence, it offers Madrid a special share of power over Gibraltar’s fate, but only once the territory is no longer an internal EU problem.

With Spain in such a powerful position, the British, Gibraltarian and Madrid governments have been locked in bilateral talks to ensure a smooth passage out of the EU for the Rock.

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“Allowing Spanish law enforcement agencies to exercise control on British territory crosses both the UK and Gibraltar’s red lines as that would be tantamount to a concession on sovereignty.

“I remain optimistic that if these negotiations are approached in good faith an agreement can be reached that will respect Gibraltar's place in the British family and be mutually beneficial for both sides.”

In its own statement, the Gibraltarian government insisted it would be sticking to its airport “red lines” and not bow to Spanish pressure.

A spokesman for the Rock said: “The position of Her Majesty’s Government of Gibraltar in respect of the airport should not be a surprise to anyone.

“Our red lines have not changed and they will not change in the future.”

Under the 2006 Cordoba Agreement, Spain, Britain and Gibraltar committed to sharing the Gibraltar airport.

The agreement meant Spain could build a terminal with access from its side of the border, however, this was never built.

Flights between Gibraltar and Spain were also due to be implemented under the Cordoba deal, but this never came to fruition.